Illustrated Family Bible Stories {a Moms of Master Books review}

This hardback book is roughly 250 pages, and they are colorful and informative.

I've been reading aloud from this book to all the kids, who range from 8 to nearly 17, and they are all enjoying it. The "story" portion is definitely geared towards the younger two, but there are great illustrations -- realistic illustrations, not cutesy, silly ones.

There are also lots of extra little historical notes, archaeological notes, cultural notes, etc. Those are what interest my big guys.

I like that I can sit down and read a section like "God's Chosen People" and get plenty of information for everyone. This two-page spread talks about patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph, with about a paragraph for each. There are sections titled Tent dwellers; Places; Travel, trade and commerce; and Customs. Those each get about a paragraph too.

Illustrations include a mosaic from the royal tombs at Ur, drawings of Abraham about to sacrifice Isaac, Isaac blessing Jacob, Joseph interpreting dreams, and Hagar, the mother of Ishmael. There is a photo of a Bedouin tent dwelling and of camel trains in the desert. There is an illustration of a plastered skull found at Jericho. And there is a half-page map that shows the region and the important cities for this lesson.

The publisher describes this book as follows:

Help Bible history come alive for children as well as new believers so they know these true events that changed the world forever.
We live in a visually oriented society where people learn from a blend of both text and images. This collection of events and teachings from Scripture explores selected chapters verses, and provides additional highlights into:

The daily life of people living in the Old and New Testament times, as well as plants, animals, and Bible landscapes

Who's who in the Bible, maps and diagrams, a Bible quiz, and more!

With the help of maps, photographs, and diagrams, the ancient cultures of the Bible are set in a context that can be readily understood. In addition, specially written teaching helps to educate today's young reader in understanding the Bible's meaning and its relevance for everyday life.

I think that is a good description. I always like when the description actually describes the book, don't you?

You can also check out this trailer:

I think this title is best for elementary ages, but it is certainly not babyish for a big brother or three (in our case) to be listening in as well.

There is a Book and a Treat Facebook party coming up later this month, April 29 at 7 pm Central Time, where you could win cool prizes -- and discuss the series too.

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from New Leaf Publishing Group as part of the Moms of Master Books program. No other compensation was received. The fact that I received complimentary products does not guarantee a favorable review.